Conservative activists - many of whom have voiced serious reservations about the current 2012 GOP field - would welcome a DeMint campaign. The second-term senator would be the immediate favorite to win South Carolina, an important early voting state. Every Republican who has won the South Carolina primary has gone on to win the nomination.

DeMint, however, doesn't appear to be too serious about his "reconsideration" of running for president. A top aide shot down the idea this morning, telling Washington Post's The Fix that the senator has not changed his decision to stay out of the race.

For now, DeMint is likely content on the sidelines. As George Will points out, DeMint is the "closest approximation to a Republican kingmaker." His endorsement will be coveted by all of the 2012 GOP hopefuls.